A fascinating and richly illustrated exploration of the natural history of fungi We know fungi are important, for us as well as the environment. But how they live, and what they can do, remains mysterious and surprising. Filled with stunning photographs, The Lives of Fungi presents an inside look into their hidden and extraordinary world. The wonders of fungi are myriad: a mushroom poking up through leaf litter literally overnight, or the sensational hit of umami from truffle shavings. Alexander Fleming cured infections with mold and spiritual guides have long used psychedelic mushrooms to enhance understanding. Then there are the tiny threads of fungi, called hyphae, that create a communications network for the natural world while decomposing organic matter. Combining engaging and accessible text with beautiful images, The Lives of Fungi lays out all the essential facts about fungi for the mycologically curious.

It was not until recent years that the study of polyamines, their mechanisms of synthesis, and the roles they play in metabolism have flourished, becoming a fertile field of intense research. Polyamines in Fungi: Their Distribution, Metabolism, and Role in Cell Differentiation and Morphogenesis provides a complete overview of its topic. It is the first and only book to describe and analyze the roles of polyamines in fungi and compare them with the roles of polyamines in higher eukaryotes. The book contains data on the distribution of polyamines, their physiological functions, mechanism of synthesis and regulation, phylogenetic analyses of the enzymes involved in their synthesis, their use as possible targets for the control of fungal diseases, and possible biotechnological and medical applications. Based on work generated by the authors in their laboratory over many years, the book contains all the basic information to understand the similarities and differences of polyamine metabolism in eukaryotes. Additionally, it provides an up-to-date account of the contribution and potential use of fungi as models for the basic study of polyamines in comparison with other organisms.

Stresses molecular and biochemical studies of opportunistic and frank fungal pathogens
This book gives a comprehensive overview of human pathogenic fungi that offers a current and concise survey of virulence factors, host responses and recognition, treatment and diagnosis of infections, invasive enzymes, intracellular survival, morphogenesis, adaptation, and properties of major fungal pathogens that contribute to disease.
Focuses on human fungal infections, including candidiasis, pneumocystosis, aspergillosis, and cryptococcosis.
With over 3700 references to accommodate continuing study, Fungal Pathogenesis
covers natural and acquired immunity, vaccine development, and immune reconstitution
outlines rapid identification of major mycoses utilizing antigen capture and molecular assays
details signaling and phenotypic switching
discusses the value of genomics in validation
highlights state-of-the-art molecular methodologies to study disease-causing organisms
describes available and potential antifungal drug targets and drug development
considers predicting the consequences of drug resistance on patient management
presents topical observations on strain typing and variation
and more
Containing research into the virulence, immunity, diagnosis, and therapy of most common fungal infections, Fungal Pathogenesis is an unparalleled reference for microbiologists, virologists, pathologists and phytopathologists, infectious disease specialists, molecular and cell biologists, biochemists, immunologists, medical mycologists, biotechnologists, and geneticists, and an exceptional text for upper-level undergraduate, graduate, and medical school students in these disciplines.

Advances in Macrofungi: Diversity, Ecology and Biotechnology discusses the diversity and ecology of edible, toxic, medicinal and mycorrhizal macrofungi; the impact of ectomycorrhizal fungi in terrestrial ecosystems, ectomycorrhizal complex in Boreal forests and commercial application of Pseudotsuga in silviculture; the nutritional evaluation and cultivation of edible wild mushrooms; the diversity of novel metabolites of macrofungi useful in food, pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical industries; mushrooms as tool for eco-friendly synthesis of nanoparticles and proteomics of edible and medicinal mushrooms. In addition, it covers experimental designs, methodological approaches, biogeochemical cycles, conceptual/hypothetical models and life history strategies, linking mycorrhizal diversity to plant performance, chemotaxonomy, role of mycorrhizae in forestry and macrofungi in nanotechnology. It provides a valuable resource to graduate, post-graduate and researchers (in botany, microbiology, ecology, biotechnology, forestry, life sciences and environmental sciences) to understand the diversity, ecology, therapeutic value, mutualistic associations and biotechnological potential of macrofungi.

Yeasts are the world’s premier industrial micro-organisms. In addition to their wide exploitation in the production of foods, beverages and pharmaceuticals, yeasts also play significant roles as model eukaryotic cells in furthering our knowledge in the biological and biomedical sciences. In order for modern biotechnology to fully exploit the activities of yeasts, it is essential to appreciate aspects of yeast cell physiology. In recent years, however, our knowledge of yeast physiological phenomena has lagged behind that of yeast genetics and molecular biology. Yeast Physiology and Biotechnology redresses the balance by linking key aspects of yeast physiology with yeast biotechnology. Individual chapters provide broad and timely coverage of yeast cytology, nutrition, growth and metabolism - important aspects of yeast cell physiology which are pertinent to the practical uses of yeasts in industry. The final chapter reviews traditional, modern and emerging biotechnologies in which roles of yeasts in the production of industrial commodities and their value in biomedical research are fully discussed. Relevant aspects of classical and modern yeast genetics and molecular biology are fully integrated into the appropriate chapters. This up-to-date and fully referenced book is aimed at advanced undergraduate and postgraduate bioscience students,but will also prove to be a valuable source of information for yeast researchers and technologists.

Many species of penicillium and aspergillus are important in biotechnology, food, medicine, biodeterioration and other applied fields, so a practical and stable taxonomy is of vital importance. Recent developments in science and technology mean that taxonomic classification is no longer confined to classical morphological concepts, and the integration of molecular, physiological and biochemical methods now plays an important role in understanding the classification of these fungi. Integration of Modern Taxonomic Methods for Penicillium and Aspergillus Classification brings together a collection of chapters from international experts in this field. It will be of value to researchers and professionals in mycology, biotechnology, medicine and regulatory agencies interested in the identification of these fungi.

The fungi are one of the great groups of living organisms, comparable in numbers of species, diversity and ecological significance with animals, plants, protists and bacteria. This textbook deals with all fundamental and applied aspects of mycology, illustrated by reference to well studied species from major fungal groups. Since the publication of the first edition of The Fungi, there have been many important advances in the field of mycology. This second up-to-date edition has been revised and substantially expanded, and incorporates the application of methods of molecular biology, especially DNA technology to mycology.
KEY FEATURES:
* Question and answer section at the end of each chapter
* Modern classification based on Molecular phylogeny
* Detail of the recent increased understanding of the organelles and processes involved in hyphal growth
* New molecular understanding of mating type genes
* The latest on molecular recognition in the infection process
* The use of DNA technology in engineering plant resistance to fungal diseases
* New section on medical mycology
* Fungal mycology in animals
* The latest on the use of genetically manipulated fungi to produce products earlier obtained from mammals

Biological Science: Exploring the Science of Life, Biomedical Edition responds to the key needs of lecturers and their students by placing a clear central narrative, carefully-structured active learning, and confidence with quantitative concepts and scientific enquiry central to its approach. With coverage tailored to the needs of biomedical, medical, and neuroscience students, and with an approach that fully supports flexible, self-paced learning, it will set you on a path towards a deeper understanding of the key concepts in biology, and a greater appreciation of biology as a dynamic experimental science. Written by a team of dedicated and passionate academics, and shaped by feedback from over 55 institutions, its straightforward narrative, reinforced by key concept overview videos for every chapter, communicate key ideas clearly: the right information is provided at the right time, and at the right depth. Its pause and think features, self-check quizzes, and graded end of chapter questions, augmented by flashcards of key terms, directly support active learning. The combination of narrative text and learning features promote a rich, active learning experience: read, watch, and do. Its combination of Quantitative Toolkits, Scientific Process panels, and the Life and its Exploration chapters provide more insight and support than any other general biology text; they prepare students to engage with this quantitative and experimental discipline with confidence, and set them on a path for success throughout their future studies. Digital formats and resources Biological Science: Exploring the Science of Life, Biomedial Edition is available for students and institutions to purchase in a variety of formats. The enhanced e-book is enriched with features that offer extra learning support: www.oxfordtextbooks.co.uk/ebooks - Key concepts videos support students from the start of every chapter and as they make their way through every Module. - Self-check questions at the end of each chapter section give students quick and formative feedback, building their confidence and comprehension as they study and revise. - Quantitative skills video screencasts help students to master the foundational skills required by this discipline. - Interactive figures give students the control they need to step through, and gain mastery over, key concepts. - Per-chapter flashcard glossaries help students to recall the key terms and concepts on which further study can be built.

Although known for its sandy beaches and pounding surf, historic Cape Cod is also home to a unique community of mushrooms that can be found on its heaths, pine and oak barrens, and on the borders of its bogs, kettle ponds, and cedar swamps.

Here is the definitive guide to the highly varied mycoflora of Cape Cod and the National Seashore. It contains accurate and up-to-date descriptions and over 150 color illustrations that help the reader identify over 250 indigenous mushroom species.

The scope of this work goes well beyond the identification of mushrooms. The authors provide information that increases the readers awareness of the fragile nature of Cape Cod's various ecosystems and the critical role that mushrooms play in helping to preserve them.

The sixth volume in the series Medicinal and Aromatic Plants -Industrial Profiles, written by experts working in ergot research. Ergot (claviceps purpura) is best known as a disease of rye and grasses. it is probably the most widely cultivated fungus and it has become an important field crop. Ergot alkaloids, which are extensively used in medicine, are the main reason for its importance.;This work begins with the history of ergot research which is comparable to that of the discovery of penicillin. review articles on claviceps taxonomy, genetics, biogenetic and pharmacology are based on recent achievements in molecular biology - some of them published there for the first time. The chapters on ergot cultivation, physiology and biotechnology are written by experts in industry. Sections dealing with the chemistry of ergot alkaloids and biotransformation are comprehensive and serve as good reference material.;Unique information on world producers and industrial production of ergot alkaloids and their derivatives is detailed. The therapeutic use of ergot alkaloids is presented; and the dangers of their use in ecology and agriculture are discussed in detail.

Offers comprehensive coverage of the latest developments in both biochemical and physiological approaches to fungal systematics. Incorporates recent advances in molecular biology into systematics methods that can revolutionize taxonomic schemes.

This book on Candida albicans and similar pathogens provides a timely overview of the groundbreaking discoveries made in the areas of drug resistance, host-pathogen interactions, virulence, host immune system modulation, etc., in the last two decades. This comprehensive 2nd Edition includes chapters on fungal infections, hyphal morphogenesis, molecular mechanisms of antifungal resistance, antifungal agents, multidrug transporters, virulence mechanisms in Candida albicans, host-pathogen interactions, the cell wall, fungal biofilms, lipids and antifungal resistance, signaling mechanisms and last but not the least host-immune responses. As such, it offers an ideal reference guide for mycologists, researchers, pharmacists, clinicians, and undergraduate students engaged or interested in fungal research. It will also benefit clinicians, who are required to keep abreast of the current state of research on antifungal drug resistance and antifungal development.

This practical resource offers a concise guide to the combined use of classical and molecular methods for the genetic analysis and breeding of fungi - presenting basic concepts and experimental designs and demonstrating the power of fungal genetics for applied research in biotechnology and phytopathology. Addressing each major topic in the manipulation and analysis of fungi, Fungal Genetics explains genetic processes...examines spontaneous mutations, mutation induction, and the isolation and characterization of mutants...discusses sexual and parasexual genetic analysis...details physical karyotypes and restriction fragment analysis...describes the organization of genetic material in fungal nuclei as well as meiotic and mitotic processes...compares genetic mapping techniques and breeding strategies...and more. Written by over 25 international experts representing nine countries and containing nearly 1000 bibliographic citations, Fungal Genetics is an indispensable reference for mycologists, microbiologists, phytopathologists, biotechnologists, biochemists, molecular and cell biologists, geneticists, botanists, plant physiologists and pathologists, microbial and fungal ecologists, and upper-level undergraduate and graduate students in these disciplines.

Recent Advances on Mycorrhizal Fungi integrates work done by pre-eminent scientists, academics, and researchers dedicated to the study of mycorrhizas in laboratories around the world. The main aim of this book is to compile the information related to mycorrhizas advancement and their applications. First, an overview of the recent advances in mycorrhizal fungi is fully examined. Then, researchers from different countries address issues related to semiarid, xeric, and agro-ecosystems. A greater understanding of the ecology of this type of fungi will underpin efforts to provide new strategies for agriculture production systems and environmental solutions. Finally, relevant topics such as plant stress and ecological succession with regard to mycorrhizal symbioses are discussed. This book will be useful to those who work with mycorrhizas and important for academic and research teams, as well as to teachers, students, professionals and farmers. This information will be a key foundation to decision-makers worldwide and also for conservationists and ecologists.

The present book highlights importance of mycorrhiza in soil genesis wherein it reflects mycorrhizal occurrence and diversity, various tools to characterize them and its impact on soil formation/health together with crop productivity. The edited compendium provides glimpses on the mycorrhizal fungi and their prominent role in nutrient transfer into host plants, and presenting view on application of mycorrhiza for crop biofortification. It focuses on the mechanisms involve in weathering process employed by mycorrhiza with highlighting the current and advanced molecular approaches for studying mycorrhizal diversity. Further, book emphasizes following aspects in details: significance of AMF in phytoremediation of hydrocarbon contaminated sites, the role of mycorrhiza in soil genesis using scientometric approach, the concept of mycorrhizosphere, xenobiotic metabolism, molecular approaches for detoxifying the organic xenobiotics and the role of mycorrhizosphere in stabilizing the environment in an eco-friendly way. In addition, the book will be benign to researchers that involved in mycorrhiza characterization especially by deploying metagenomics/PCR based and non PCR based molecular techniques that may be utilized to study the microbial diversity and structure within the mycorrhizosphere.

The estimated cost of repairing damage caused by fungal decay in buildings amounts to 400 million pounds a year in the UK alone. This book deals with the study of fungi in and around the building environment, having direct and indirect effects on the health of the building, its materials, structures and occupants. Fungi can be responsible for damage to building structures, to contents, decorations and food stuff; and to the health of occupants. This text provides an authoritative survey of present knowledge. This book should be of interest to construction, industrial, health research laboratories, public health and building pathology specialists and conservationists.

Uniting-for the first time-current information on anaerobic fungi from a number of different disciplines, this unique reference examines the taxonomy, physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and ecology of anaerobic fungi-focusing on fungi from the rumen and other gut environments such as the cecum and hindgut of nonruminant herbivores.
Anaerobic Fungi
Presents new techniques for culturing anaerobic fungi
analyzes the isolation, culture, and survival of anaerobic fungi
describes the nucleic acids of anaerobic fungi, gene cloning, and the establishment of molecular phylogeny
discusses the fermentation of carbohydrates
explains how anaerobic fungi interact with other microorganisms
investigates the ultrastructure of plant cell walls degraded by fungi
details the effects of diet on fungal populations
delineates specific procedures for quantifying anaerobic fungi
outlines potential directions for future research in molecular genetics
and more

Presents the latest advances in the study of the intracellular fate and transport of metal ions in fungi, emphasizing the mechanisms that regulate cellular concentration. The book explains the expanding relationship between molecular genetics and inorganic biochemistry.

Over the last decade considerable progress has been made in white biotechnology research and further major scientific and technological breakthroughs are expected in the future. The first large-scale industrial applications of modern biotechnology have been in the areas of food and animal feed production (agricultural/green biotechnology) and in pharmaceuticals (medical/red biotechnology). In contrast, the productions of bioactive compounds through fermentation or enzymatic conversion are known as industrial or white biotchnology. The fungi are ubiquitous in nature and have been sorted out from different habitats, including extreme environments (high temperature, low temperature, salinity and pH); and associated with plants (Epiphytic, Endophytic and Rhizospheric). The fungal strains are beneficial as well as harmful for human beings. The beneficial fungal strains may play important roles in the agricultural, industrial, and medical sectors. The fungal strains and its product (enzymes, bioactive compounds, and secondary metabolites) are very useful for industry (e.g., the discovery of penicillin from Penicillium chrysogenum). This discovery was a milestone in the development of white biotechnology as the industrial production of penicillin and antibiotics using fungi moved industrial biotechnology into the modern era, transforming it into a global industrial technology. Since then, white biotechnology has steadily developed and now plays a key role in several industrial sectors providing both high value nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products. The fungal strains and bioactive compounds also play an important role in environmental cleaning. This volume covers the latest research developments related to value-added products in white biotechnology through fungi.

This book is an outgrowth of a UNESCO regional workshop entitled Culture Collection and Breeding of Edible Mushrooms. The purpose of the workshop is to provide participants with information on the principles and techniques involved in the genetics and breeding of edible mushrooms.

Fungi are an essential, fascinating and biotechnologically useful group of organisms with an incredible biotechnological potential for industrial exploitation. Knowledge of the world's fungal diversity and its use is still incomplete and fragmented. There are many opportunities to accelerate the process of filling knowledge gaps in these areas. The worldwide interest of the current era is to increase the tendency to use natural substances instead of synthetic ones. The increasing urge in society for natural ingredients has compelled biotechnologists to explore novel bioresources which can be exploited in industrial sector. Fungi, due to their unique attributes and broad range of their biological activities hold great promises for their application in biotechnology and industry. Fungi are an efficient source of antioxidants, enzymes, pigments, and many other secondary metabolites. The large scale production of fungal pigments and their utility provides natural coloration without creating harmful effects on entering the environment, a safer alternative use to synthetic colorants. The fungal enzymes can be exploited in wide range of industries such as food, detergent, paper, and also for removal toxic waste. This book will serve as valuable source of information as well as will provide new directions to researchers to conduct novel research in field of mycology. Volume 2 of "Industrially Important Fungi for Sustainable Development" provides an overview to understanding bioprospecting of fungal biomolecules and their industrial application for future sustainability. It encompasses current advanced knowledge of fungal communities and their potential biotechnological applications in industry and allied sectors. The book will be useful to scientists, researchers, and students of microbiology, biotechnology, agriculture, molecular biology, and environmental biology.

Visit the accompanying website from the author at www.blackwellpublishing.com/deacon.

"Fungal Biology" is the fully updated new edition of this undergraduate text, covering all major areas of fungal biology and providing insights into many topical areas.
Provides insights into many topical areas such as fungal ultrastructure and the mechanisms of fungal growth, important fungal metabolites and the molecular techniques used to study fungal populations.
Focuses on the interactions of fungi that form the basis for developing biological control agents, with several commercial examples of the control of insect pests and plant diseases.
Emphasises the functional biology of fungi, with examples from recent research.
Includes a clear illustrative account of the features and significance of the main fungal groups.

Ten articles provide an overview of the recently flowering research into the genetics and molecular biology of fungus species that are economically significant in industry. The contributors, from a variety of disciplines, report on work in such areas as industrial enzymes, antibiotics, toxins, heter

Fungal Cell Wall: Structure, Synthesis, and Assembly, Second Edition is a compendium of information on the chemical structure, synthesis, and organization of the cell wall of fungi. Reviewing the past 20 years of research in the field, it discusses experimental evidence that demonstrates the role of the cell wall in the growth, development, morphogenesis, and evolution of fungi. Synthesizes 20 Years of Important Research on Fungal Cell Walls More than just a revision, this second edition offers a fresh perspective on what is currently known about the fungal cell wall. It covers recent developments, conflicting theories, and important aspects that are largely forgotten-including critical analysis of the prevalent idea that cell walls from all fungal species have the same basic structure, organization, and behavior as the most popular models of study. Chapters are self-contained and can be read independently, allowing readers to delve into specific topics. The book begins by examining the chemical composition and structure of the fungal cell wall, an area almost closed to modern research. It then describes the structure and synthesis of the most important components of the cell wall and analyzes the mechanisms of cell wall expansion and growth. Throughout, the book identifies the basic concepts that have led to modern ideas about cell walls. The Essential Guide to the Fungal Cell Wall A critical review of fungal cell wall research, this book helps readers understand the role of fungi in nature-both positive and negative-from their symbiotic associations and biotechnological applications to their pathogenicity to plants, animals, and humans.

Fundamentals of Molecular Mycology provides a complete overview of recent developments and applications in molecular mycology. It serves as a comprehensive guide for the identification of fungi and the application of fungal biomolecules in agriculture, food, environment, and pharmaceutical sectors by providing detailed information about application molecular markers and bioinformatics tools for mycology. Covering the most important aspects of molecular mycology, the book focuses on: The application of fungal secondary metabolites in ecosystem management and sustainable agriculture The application of DNA recombinant techniques to improve industrially important fungal species Different molecular markers and genetic approaches for the taxonomical identification of fungi The bioinformatics tool for the identification of fungal species and its secondary metabolites Advances in molecular tools have created a new path for the mycological research and applications in different sectors. Fundamentals of Molecular Mycology is an excellent source of information on molecular mycology tools and applications in various fields. This book will be valuable to biotechnologists at research institutes, academia, and industry researchers, and professionals. The book is also a rich resources for undergraduate and postgraduate biology students in in mycology, botany, microbiology, fungal biology, biotechnology, and molecular biology as well.